Elder's Prayer - July 22, 2018

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” 8 The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion. 10 The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

(Prayer)

Lord, even in these verses we observe your faithfulness to your own sovereign, just, and merciful character. For you, our God, do reign! And you are salvation!

And all nations will one day stand witness to the salvation of your people...people saved undeservingly...repentant sinners who have been blessed with the gift of faith in you, and evidenced by their lives of obedience.

Here, this morning, Father, we are grateful that this family can be in attendance with us. We are grateful that you have called them, and mercifully so, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of Jesus Christ to unbelievers whose minds are blinded by the deceit of this world.

We are grateful that this family is being preserved for your purpose, even in a distant and foreign context...where language, culture, and religion are potential barriers - even threatening barriers.

Yet here they serve, willingly even joyfully…Father, make us here who support them more understanding of their needs, make us more acquainted with the humility with which they serve, more faithful to commit them to regular prayer, more eager to join them in the call to bring good news to the nations.

Bless each of us in the coming time together later this afternoon.

Give us a greater understanding of you through a deeper acquaintance with their ministry.

And give this family continued rest, encouragement, and blessing as they spend these few days with believers here at Summit Woods.